Why Do People Hate Saoirse-Monica Jackson?
Saoirse-Monica Jackson is an actress from Northern Ireland who is best known for playing the character of Erin Quinn on the Channel 4 sitcom Derry Girls.
While Derry Girls has been a huge hit and Jackson has received praise for her acting, she has also faced some backlash and hatred online from a vocal minority. Here are some of the main reasons why some people seem to dislike Saoirse-Monica Jackson:
Character on Derry Girls
Erin Quinn is the main protagonist on Derry Girls and is portrayed as self-centered, dramatic, and often rude. Some viewers find Erin annoying and unlikable.
Since Saoirse-Monica Jackson is so closely associated with this fictional character, some of the hate towards Erin spills over onto the actress herself. People forget that Jackson is simply playing a role and judge her as if she actually is Erin Quinn in real life.
Backlash Against Derry Girls
While many fans adore Derry Girls, the show’s irreverent humor and depiction of The Troubles in Northern Ireland has also garnered some backlash. Some Irish viewers feel the show makes light of a dark and complex political situation.
As the show’s star, Jackson takes some heat from critics who feel Derry Girls improperly satirizes historical events and figures. The more controversy around the show itself, the more online hate Jackson is likely to experience merely by association.
Jealousy Over Her Success
Jackson was only 18 years old when she landed her career-making role on Derry Girls. Going almost instantly from unknown to celebrated actress sparked jealousy among some.
The fact that she achieved such success and fame at a young age through a hit TV show has led some haters to try to bring her down or invalidate her talent and hard work. Many successful actresses face routine misogyny and jealousy-fueled attacks from online trolls.
She’s Outspoken and Confident
Jackson has been open about issues like feminism and body image. She embraces her quirks and presents herself as a confident, outspoken young woman. Unfortunately, strong-willed women are frequent targets for hate and sexist attacks, especially online.
Jackson’s haters may feel threatened by her assurance in herself and attempt to tear her down with insults. Confidence in women is still too often seen as a negative trait by misogynists.
Political & National Identity
As a Northern Irish actress, Jackson’s identity adds fuel for some of the political backlash against Derry Girls. The divisions around Northern Irish identity, nationalism, and The Troubles remain contentious.
While Jackson herself avoids politics, her background and association with Derry makes her a target for sectarian online vitriol. Some radical loyalists attack anyone representing Northern Irish nationalism or criticizing the actions of the British government during The Troubles.
Online Trolling Culture
A final factor is that social media and Internet comments have allowed trolling culture to thrive. Jackson is famous and successful enough to attract irrational hatred from random individuals merely seeking attention or an outlet for their aggression.
Trolls and haters often single out celebrities and public figures specifically to provoke reactions and controversy. Jackson faces sexist attacks online simply for being a prominent young woman in the public eye.
Why Does Saoirse-Monica Jackson Have Haters?
Saoirse-Monica Jackson’s rapid rise to fame through her starring role on Derry Girls has made her a magnet for online hatred and trolling.
While many adore both Jackson and her character Erin Quinn, she also has vocal detractors. Here are some primary reasons and theories behind why the actress faces backlash:
Polarizing character on Derry Girls
- Erin is self-centered, dramatic, and rude, annoying some viewers
- People conflate fictional Erin with real person Jackson
Controversy and backlash against Derry Girls’ portrayal of The Troubles
- Some Irish viewers feel the show satirizes complex history lightly
- As its star, Jackson takes heat from critics of the show’s tone
Sexism and jealousy about her early success and fame
- Instant career breakthrough at 18 inspires jealousy
- Successful young actresses often face misogynist attacks
Outspokenness about feminism and body image issues
- Strong, confident women frequently face online hate
- Sexist trolls feel threatened by assured women
Northern Irish background provokes sectarian attacks
- Divisions around Northern Irish identity fuel hate toward show
- As its star, Jackson absorbs political and nationalist backlash
Trolling culture singles out celebrities to provoke reactions
- Fame makes her an inevitable target for irrational troll hatred
- Random individuals attack due to her prominence
While disturbing, the attacks ultimately stem from Jackson’s burgeoning success and cultural impact at a very young age. She has taken the high road by ignoring online toxicity and focusing on her acting work.
Is the Hate Towards Saoirse-Monica Jackson Justified?
Despite the various reasons Jackson has attracted irrational hatred and trolling, most observers agree the vitriol directed at her is unjustified. A few perspectives on the inherent unfairness of the attacks:
- She’s an actress playing a role – Dislike for her Erin Quinn character should not transfer to personal attacks on Jackson as a real human being separate from the fictional show.
- Hating on successful young women is misogynistic – Criticism rooted in sexist jealousy over Jackson’s talent and rapid career rise reflects wider societal gender bias against outspoken young actresses.
- Most attacks are not substantive policy critiques – Fair artistic critiques are different than the nationalistic and sexist trolling Jackson faces.
- The show itself is polarizing – Reasonable debates around Derry Girls’ portrayal of history are overshadowed by extreme personal attacks.
- Online hate mobs are irrational – Obsessive trolling behavior from anonymous accounts reflects wider issues with social media outrage culture.
- She has handled it gracefully – Jackson generally ignores or laughs off unmerited attacks and avoids fueling negativity.
While everyone can hold critical opinions on an actress and her work, the disproportionate hatred and bile directed at Jackson ultimately says more about the haters than about her as a person or professional. Despite what trolls may claim online, there is no legitimate justification for the uniquely vicious trolling campaigns against Saoirse-Monica Jackson.
Is Criticism of Jackson’s Work Fair?
- Critical analysis of acting performances is valid in entertainment journalism.
- Substantive discussion around fictional portrayals of historical events can be productive.
- However, criticism should remain professional and focused on the work itself, not personal attacks.
- Most trolling of Jackson is not sincere, nuanced critique but irrational hatred from anonymous accounts.
- Even if disagreement with her views or acting exists, it rarely merits the intensity of hatred directed at Jackson as an individual.
- Overall, while reasoned debate is expected, the vitriol exceeds the proportions that could be considered a fair response.
Type of Criticism | Generally Fair or Unfair? |
---|---|
Professional reviews of acting performance | Fair |
Debating fictional portrayals of history | Potentially Fair |
Attacking her personal character/background | Unfair |
Sexist comments | Very Unfair |
Threats/harassment from trolls | Very Unfair |
Does Backlash Reflect More on Jackson or Her Haters?
- The irrational intensity of attacks says more about the haters themselves than Jackson.
- Anonymous trolls likely have issues driving compulsive online hatred.
- Most backlash stems from wider societal issues around gender, politics, nationalism, and Internet outrage culture.
- Sexist trolling in particular reflects systemic biases faced by successful young women in the public eye.
- Ultimately Jackson is merely an innocent target of warped mob mentality and irrational aggression.
- The hate may be unavoidable with fame, but is not justified or caused by anything Jackson did to provoke it.
Is It Surprising that Saoirse-Monica Jackson Faces Such Backlash?
Given the combination of factors driving online hatred toward Saoirse-Monica Jackson, most observers are unsurprised by the amount of trolling and vitriol the actress faces:
- Her meteoric rise to fame as a young woman makes backlash predictable.
- Playing a divisive character on a controversial show guarantees some negativity.
- Her Northern Irish background adds political fuel to the fire.
- Confidently voicing her opinions triggers sexist responses.
- Celebrities of all kinds attract irrational troll hatred simply by being prominent public figures.
However, while expected to a degree, elements are still surprising:
- The intensity and persistence of the harassment crosses lines and goes beyond reasoned criticism.
- The misogynistic nature of many attacks reflects the added challenges for successful young women.
- The anonymity of most trolls allows unprecedented aggression without consequences.
- Her grace under fire is impressive given her age when thrust into the spotlight.
- The obsession about fictional TV characters demonstrates some haters’ disconnect from reality.
So while Jackson was destined to be a polarized figure given the circumstances, both the volume and irrationality of the attacks exceeds expectations. Her patient, classy response and focus on her work makes clear she is more mature at a young age than many anonymous trolls twice her age.
Why Expected Backlash?
- Instant fame guarantees criticism & scrutiny
- Playing an annoying character invites dislike
- Show’s depiction of Northern Ireland divides opinion
- Voicing feminist views triggers sexist abuse
- Prominent celebs are magnets for trolls
What’s Surprising About the Hate?
- Massive volume and persistence of troll attacks
- Misogynistic threats overacting roles
- Anonymity allowing such aggression without consequence
- Impressive resilience and grace from a young actress
- Obsession with insulting fictional TV characters
How Does Saoirse-Monica Jackson Respond to Hate & Trolling?
By all accounts, Jackson handles incessant trolling and online hatred with patience, humor, and perspective:
- She ignores abuse – Jackson dismisses irrational troll hatred as unworthy of attention.
- She laughs it off – She makes jokes highlighting the absurdity of sexist or jealous attacks.
- She focuses on her work – Jackson remains dedicated to her acting craft and future roles.
- She avoids retaliation – Despite ample opportunities to clap back at trolls, she refrains from negativity.
- She separates actress from character – Jackson reminds fans she’s not actually Erin Quinn.
- She’s the bigger person – Her graceful reactions demonstrate maturity beyond her years.
Rather than lash out or retaliate, Jackson concentrates on her career and strips trolls of the attention they crave. This thoughtful approach both reduces opportunities for haters and provides a role model for dealing with bad faith attacks. By taking the high road, Jackson reinforces her reputation as a professional and denies trolls’ attempts to provoke an emotional reaction.
How She Responds:
- Ignores and dismisses irrational hatred as unworthy of attention
- Laughs off absurd attacks rooted in sexism/jealousy
- Refrains from retaliation or negativity
- Focuses on her work and future acting roles
- Highlights difference between her real self and fictional characters
- Gracefully demonstrates maturity beyond her years
Why Her Approach Works:
- Starves trolls of attention they crave
- Sets a positive example for reacting to bad faith attacks
- Maintains reputation as consummate professional
- Denies attempts to provoke emotional reaction
- Reduces engagement that fuels further abuse
- Reinforces perception of her having moral high ground
What Impact Could Trolling Have on Jackson’s Career?
How might persistent trolling campaigns impact Saoirse-Monica Jackson’s future career trajectory?
Potential positives:
- Creates an underdog narrative that builds fan loyalty
- Chance to repeatedly demonstrate grace under pressure
- Motivation to expand skillset and avoid typecasting
- Opportunity to thoughtfully address larger issues around online harassment
Potential negatives:
- Being defined more by haters than acting abilities
- Reputation suffering if she ever snaps at trolls
- Asked about harassment in all interviews rather than work
- Excess scrutiny of roles through lens of Twitter controversies
- Hesitance to take risks that stir further backlash
Unknowns:
- Whether hatred could drive her away from acting altogether
- If targeted campaigns could threaten mental health over time
- How nimble she can remain avoiding political landmines
- If trolls may become more unhinged and dangerous
While harassment should not be an inevitable cost of fame, Jackson has proven capable of weathering the storm so far without letting trolls negatively impact her career. However, sustaining that thick skin long-term under relentless pressure certainly presents challenges.
Possible Positive Impacts:
- Underdog narrative that builds supportive fanbase
- Repeated chances to react gracefully under fire
- Motivation to expand range beyond single character
- Platform to thoughtfully address larger harassment issues
Possible Negative Impacts:
- Being defined primarily by hatred rather than talent
- Reputation damage if she ever does snap at trolls
- Preventing focus on work by constantly discussing abuse
- Excess scrutiny of roles through lens of online attacks
- Hesitance to take risks that could stir further backlash
What Does the Hate Say About Internet Culture & Society?
The excessive trolling directed at Saoirse-Monica Jackson ultimately reflects wider issues with social media outrage culture and systemic societal misogyny:
- Anonymity breeds cruelty – Trollsprotected by anonymity attack more viciously than they would dare to using real identities.
- Outrage draws attention – Haters incentivized by social media algorithms that reward controversy and extremism.
- Misogyny targets successful women – Young talented actresses face inevitable backlash for failing to conform to expectations.
- Sectarianism festers online – Divisive political and nationalist debates become uglier without consequences.
- Criticizing art breeds oversensitivity – Nuanced critique of fictional shows is lost amidst extreme personal attacks.
- Confusion between fiction and reality – Inability to distinguish between actress and characters she plays.
- Celebrity obsession breeds entitlement – Fandom warps into belief public figures belong to their followers.
While Jackson’s resilient grace remains impressive given the environment, the volume of hate ultimately reflects societal flaws exploited by social media.
What Jackson’s Experience Reveals About Internet Culture:
- Anonymity facilitating cruelty without consequences
- Algorithms incentivizing controversy and outrage
- Systemic misogyny faced by successful young actresses
- Divisive politics and nationalism breeding uglier sectarianism
- Nuanced artistic critiques drowned out by mob extremism
- Inability to distinguish fiction from reality
- Obsessive fandom entitlement towards celebrities
Conclusion
In closing, Saoirse-Monica Jackson has faced disproportionate and unfair backlash primarily due to starring as a controversial character on a divisive show at a young age as an outspoken woman.
The volume and irrational nature of the attacks says more about the flaws of Internet culture and societal misogyny than any shortcomings of Jackson as either an actress or individual. She has displayed remarkable resilience and grace under relentless pressure most could not withstand at any age.
While no celebrity deserves to withstand the persistence of bad faith harassment Jackson experiences daily, she has refused to let the hate define her. By focusing on her work and taking the high road responding to trolls with humor and patience, Jackson provides a role model for handling toxic attention with dignity. Rather than retaliate, she merely denies oxygen to the hordes of anonymous abusers seeking to provoke harm under the shield of social media.
Jackson’s experience ultimatelys sheds light on the uglier aspects of online discourse and fandom. However, the hatred also catalyzes support from her many fans who respect how she carries herself in the face of torment.
Despite the best efforts of irrational trolls, Jackson has the temperament and perspective to avoid internalizing their bile, emerging wiser and stronger. She continues to have a promising career portraying impactful roles with nuance and humor.
No amount of online abuse deserves acknowledgement or can detract from the stellar reputation Saoirse-Monica Jackson has earned from those who judge her by her own actions. The vitriol ultimately serves to reinforce her sympathetic appeal as an underdog heroically weathering a storm of cruelty she does not merit.
Rather than be defined by faceless online antagonists, Jackson focuses on bringing fulfilling creative projects into the world. Regardless of what bitter individuals may type from behind their screens, the dignity with which Jackson conducts herself will remain her true lasting legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some people dislike Saoirse-Monica Jackson?
The main reasons are: dislike for her character Erin Quinn on Derry Girls, backlash against the show itself, sexism/jealousy about her early success as an actress, her outspoken feminism, and her Northern Irish background fueling political attacks.
Is the hatred directed at Jackson justified?
Most observers agree the excessive trolling and attacks on Jackson are completely unjustified, stemming more from issues with the attackers themselves and societal misogyny rather than anything Jackson did.
How has Jackson responded to online harassment?
She has reacted with patience, humor, and grace – ignoring or laughing off attacks, focusing on her work, and taking the high road rather than retaliate.
Has trolling impacted Jackson’s career?
So far she has weathered the storm well and not allowed attacks to negatively impact her work. But sustaining such resilience long-term under constant pressure poses challenges.
What does the hatred say about Internet culture?
It reflects wider issues like anonymity breeding cruelty, algorithms incentivizing outrage, misogyny faced by successful women, oversensitivity in fandoms, and an inability to distinguish fiction